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Rights, Respect, Responsibility®
Rights, Respect, Responsibility® is a social change movement to improve the health of Oregon youth. Its mission is to create a climate in which young people can develop healthy sexual attitudes and behaviors, supported by proven public health strategies that reduce the incidence of unintended pregnancies, births, abortions and sexually transmitted infections (see www.wecandobetter.org ).
Research indicates that youth active in their religious communities want accurate information about sexuality and open, honest dialogue with adults in their churches. Youth at First Congregational Church Eugene, UCC, are no exception.
Our congregation responded to Planned Parenthood Health Services of Southwestern Oregon (PPHSSO) and the introduction of Rights, Respect, Responsibility® in 2001 by forming an RRR® committee. We planned activities that would support the vision of this ambitious social movement. We held forums educating our congregation about adolescent sexual health and U.S. statistics, Rights, Respect, Responsibility®, and How to Talk to your Kids about Sexuality. Our Senior Pastor, Gregory Flint, participated in the European Study Tour in 2003 to learn firsthand what Europeans are doing to improve the sexual health of their young people.
“Our Whole Lives: Sexuality and Our Faith” is the comprehensive sexuality education curriculum we provide for our youth. Leaders integrate worship, prayer, and discussion of United Church of Christ faith values and principles into the programs (see www.ucc.org/justice/owl/ ). Participating in a human sexuality program in the church will help participants understand that sexuality is an important part of the way God created us; that their church cares about their sexual development; and that caring Christian adults are willing and able to talk with them about their questions and concerns.
Rights, Respect, Responsibility® and “Our Whole Lives: Sexuality and Our Faith” has become part of our mission and the ministry of our church. What better place that the church to affirm our youth by providing them our prayerful support, our experience, and our assurance of a long God who has given the gift of human sexuality.